Finding literature

Frequently asked questions

• Where do I start looking for literature?

  We advise you to start a search in LibSearch. LibSearch allows you to search the collections of libraries worldwide. Would you like to limit the results of your search to libraries in the Netherlands or the VU Library? Use the 'Library' filter to the left of the results list. If the VU does not have the document in its collection, you can request it via the 'Request item through Interlibrary Loan' button. Are the results from LibSearch not enough? Use the LibGuides to find relevant databases for your field of study.

• How do I find the right literature for my topic?

  Use multidisciplinary literature databases like Scopus or Web of Science, or use the subject/subject databases for which the VU University Library has licences. In the LibGuides of your discipline, you will find the relevant literature files.

• How do I find a specific publication if I have the title and author's name?

  You can search in LibSearch or Google Scholar. In LibSearch, you can see in which libraries (national and international) the publication is available. If you search via Google Scholar, you can only see whether the VU University Library has the publication or not. The Lean Library tool offers you support in accessing the publications. See the Lean Library page for an explanation of how to use it.

• What is the Lean Library tool?

  The Lean Library tool supports you in accessing online information, such as articles, e-books and databases. This browser extension not only gives you access to study materials, but also acts as an assistant during the search process. On the detailed Lean Library page you will find more information about its applications and use.

• How do I search multidisciplinary and subject-specific databases?

  To search for scientific information (articles, conference papers and reviews) on a topic, we recommend you use literature databases (bibliographic databases) such as Scopus or Web of Science. These also have a citation index. Each article shows how often it has been cited. If you click through, you will also see a list of authors who have cited the article, including related publications. In addition, additional research in subject-specific literature databases is often required. You will usually not find the articles and conference proceedings in these databases if you search with Google (Scholar) or LibSearch. Therefore, always use the databases relevant to your field as well.

• What is the quickest way to find an article if I have a reference?

  Search in LibSearch using keyphrases from the article's title and, if necessary, complete the search term with the author's surname.

• What do I do if an online item is not available?

  It may happen that an online item is not available when it should be. If this is the case, please contact the library at ask.ub@vu.nl. We will try to solve the problem for you.

• What do I do if I can't access an e-journal or article?

  When searching for an e-journal or article in LibSearch, also check the publisher's website (the link is in your search result). Chances are that the e-journal or article is available this way. Don't have access to the e-journal or article? Please let us know. We will try to solve the problem. Please note that logging in to the VU/VUmc network is necessary. 

• How do I find a VU dissertation?

  All VU dissertations are available in LibSearch.

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